Upcoming Events and New Indian Energy Newsletter: October 23, 2014

Upcoming Key Events for Tribes and Articles from the Latest Newsletter

Oct. 23, 2014

Upcoming Events

Applications for Local and Tribal Climate Action Champions Competition Due Oct. 27

On Oct. 1, 2014, the Obama Administration announced a new Climate Action Champions competition that will identify, showcase, and invest in up to 15 local and tribal governments across the country that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to cutting carbon pollution and preparing for impacts of a changing climate. Administered by DOE, the competition is a collaborative effort among multiple federal agencies.

In addition to being recognized as climate leaders, designated Climate Action Champions will have access to a broad range of federal support designed to advance their efforts, such as: technical assistance, decision-making data and tools, peer networking opportunities, access to DOE renewable energy experts, and the opportunity to participate in the DOE Office of Indian Energy’s Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program.

Locations Set for Consultation Sessions on the National Strategy for the Arctic Region 10-Year Plan

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host seven tribal consultation sessions and seven stakeholder outreach meetings to give Alaska Native federally recognized Tribes and corporations an opportunity to provide input on the National Strategy for the Arctic Region 10-year plan to develop renewable energy resources in the Arctic region.

The National Strategy for the Arctic Region outlines U.S. strategic priorities for the region to respond effectively to emerging opportunities while pursuing efforts to protect and conserve the Arctic’s unique environment. The National Strategy builds upon existing initiatives by federal, state, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners, and focuses efforts where opportunities exist and action is needed. An Implementation Plan was developed in January 2014 to outline the methodology, process, and approach for executing the strategy. To gather input on the plan, DOE, in conjunction with several other federal agencies, will host consultation sessions and meetings in a variety of locations:

The DOE Office of Indian Energy, Tribal Energy Program, and Western Area Power Administration (Western) will present the final webinar in the 2014 Tribal Renewable Energy Series, Putting It All Together, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain time.

The webinar, which will build on previous webinars offered as part of the series, will focus on the various programs available from DOE’s Office of Indian Energy, Tribal Energy Program, and State Energy Program to help Tribes tap into their abundant renewable energy resources. Webinar attendees will also hear about Montana’s Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ recent acquisition of the Kerr Dam, making them the first Tribes in the nation to own a major hydroelectric facility.

Indian Energy Beat

Fall/Winter Newsletter

Minto Upgrades Community Lodge with START Support

The Lakeview Lodge is the heart of Minto, a small Alaska Native village 126 miles northwest of Fairbanks.

“It is critical to the community,” said Bessie Titus, Administrator for the Minto Village Council, which represents 210 residents.

But the lodge, which has to withstand 150-degree temperature swings, was designed more than three decades ago, with little attention to energy efficiency, and constructed in an era when the price of heating oil was low. Now the Council grapples with yearly fuel and electricity costs exceeding $75,000 for the structure it owns. And Minto is not unique in this energy struggle.

In response to requests from local leaders, the DOE Office of Indian Energy developed several initiatives to advance community energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure projects in Alaska. For example, the START Alaska Program provides technical assistance to help Native villages displace diesel oil and reduce energy costs.

Grand Ronde Solar Projects Reduce Pollution, Cut Costs

Situated on nearly 12,000 acres in the heart of Western Oregon's scenic coastal

range, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon has a strong connection to the earth and nature and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Landless from 1954 until 1983 when the Grand Ronde Restoration Act returned a portion of its land base, the Tribe has faced an uphill climb building out the infrastructure and services required to support and sustain its community of approximately 5,000 members.

The tribal government, which relies primarily on revenues from the Spirit Mountain Casino to operate, is challenged to find innovative ways to both improve social and economic stability and promote a healthy, sustainable environment for
future generations. In 2009 the Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority (GRTHA) began pursuing opportunities to develop renewable energy projects and implement energy efficiency measures.

Chairman Vig Champions Progress, Sustainability

Change doesn't happen on its own. It’s led by dedicated and passionate people who are committed to empowering Indian Country to energize future generations. Leading the Charge is a regular feature spotlighting the movers and shakers in energy on tribal lands. This issue we had the opportunity to speaker with Chairman Charlie Vig of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (MN).

What is your motivation for championing energy development in your community?
We should consider every viable opportunity to conserve energy and be more energy efficient. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is working to make consistent progress each year to be more mindful of our energy use. We owe that to the generations that will come after us.

Based on feedback received during the annual White House Tribal Nations Conference, President Obama established the White House Council on Native American Affairs in June 2013. Chaired by Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, the Council includes representatives from more than 30 federal departments and agencies working collaboratively to promote the development of prosperous and resilient tribal communities by:

Promoting sustainable economic development;

Supporting greater access to and control over healthcare;

Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of tribal justice systems;

Expanding and improving educational opportunities for Native American youth; and

Protecting and supporting the sustainable management of Native lands, environments, and natural resources.

The Tribal Energy Subgroup and its working groups have begun initial outreach efforts to Indian Country to gain input on the Subgroup’s efforts.